Apex Property Owners Association

Feeback from the APOA

From: D O’Gorman [mailto:denisogorman@telus.net]
To: ‘brian.drobe@weyerhaeuser.com’
Subject: AMENDMENTS TO WEYERHAEUSER FSP

Dear Brian,

On behalf of the Apex Property Owners Association I am forwarding some comments on the FSP amendments advertised by Weyerhaeuser Canada.

You were kind enough to forward your sections on Intensive Recreation, Regionally Significant Trails and Tourism Areas.  Because the link on the OS-LUO would not open, I viewed the other new Crown objectives using the Gorman Bros. website.

Intensive Recreation Areas

The objective of having no material adverse impact on the potential for a diverse range of quality recreational experiences is solidly supported, given the role of Apex as a hub for outdoor recreation (winter particularly) and related tourism.  It is worth observing that the LRMP singled out the Apex Recreation Zone because of its significant attributes and use.  The LRMP also cited the need for more detailing on recreation management in this RMZ and the need to organize recreation opportunities so that they are mutually compatible.  This is essential given growing incompatibilities between motorized and non-motorized uses as well as evident adverse impacts on the quality of recreational experiences and the environment.

The relative short supply of “wilderness” type environments in the South Okanagan increases the importance of more intensive management of this area.  Under Weyerhaeuser’s proposed strategy the reference to both seeking and making information available to recreation user groups on road and harvest plans is good.  Under clause (c) a more intensive approach may be desirable, namely

1.       Verbal as well as written comments and

2.       Opportunity to review and comment on mitigation plans.

Some consideration might be given to a clause (similar to Gorman Bros.) referencing re-establishing and clearly marking impacted trails upon completion of road construction and harvesting.  An example would be Burn to Lake Trail where blow down has occurred on the narrow neck of block 170-6.

Regionally Significant Trail Corridor

Again the objective of no material adverse impacts on the potential for quality recreational experiences is supported as is the general exclusion of permanent roads within 100 meters.  Such harvesting protections also appear necessary for trails other than the “regionally significant”.  The ski trails in the Okanagan Vista/Nickel Plate Park Area (Apex RMZ) have great significance because of  their heavy use and accessibility.  Harvesting and restoration plans should take account of this area’s concentrated recreational significance.

Tourism Areas

Managing these areas to meet visual quality objectives and to maintain foreground visual quality is supported.  This section contains a caveat respecting recovery of timber damaged by fire, insects, wind, or other causes or timber in imminent danger.  I am not clear if the Apex community is a designated Tourism Area but it is evident that careful dealing with risk and damage issues on the community interface requires attention. Given the announced intention of RDOS to pursue wildfire protection planning for the interface we would suggest close coordination of RDOS and Licensees (and the MFR) in planning harvesting and related operations.  In principle, APOA is supportive of measures that will reduce the risk of catastrophic forest fire.  Some reference to consulting local stakeholder groups in the process of planning removal of damaged timber and/or reducing forest fire hazards is desirable.

APOA hopes these comments prove to be useful to Weyerhaeuser Canada.

Yours truly,

Denis O’Gorman

President, APOA

Denis O’Gorman

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